Providing wireless network communication among a plurality of wireless devices

ABSTRACT

A communication link is established between a first wireless device and a communication network using a network communication protocol when it is determined at the first wireless device that a communication link with an access node is not detected. The first wireless device transmits an indication that the first wireless device can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device using a cellular radio access technology. In response to a communication channel request from the second wireless device, the first wireless device grants a communication channel to the second wireless device, and the second wireless device is assigned a network address. A request is received at the first wireless device to establish a communication session for the second wireless device over the communication network, and the communication session is established by the wireless device for the second wireless device over the communication network.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

To communicate over a communication network, a wireless device typically establishes communication with a base station and then initiates one or more communication sessions governed by a controller network element. However, when a large-scale communications network is impaired or disabled, for example, by a natural disaster, wide area network outage, or simply lack of coverage by any base station within range of the wireless device, the wireless device may be unable to establish communication with a base station or with the controller network element to initiate a communication session.

Overview

In systems and methods of providing wireless network communication, it is determined at a first wireless device that a communication link with an access node is not detected, and a communication link is then established between the first wireless device and a communication network using a network communication protocol. An indication that the first wireless device can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device using a cellular radio access technology is then transmitted from the first wireless device. In response to a communication channel request from the second wireless device, the first wireless device grants a communication channel to the second wireless device, and the second wireless device is assigned a network address. A request is received at the first wireless device to establish a communication session for the second wireless device over the communication network, and the communication session is established by the wireless device for the second wireless device over the communication network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary communication system for providing wireless network communication.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary wireless device for providing wireless network communication.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method of providing wireless network communication.

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary communication system for providing wireless network communication.

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary method of providing wireless network communication.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary data flow diagram of providing wireless network communication.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary communication system 100 for providing wireless network communication comprising wireless device 102, wireless device 104, and communication network 106. Examples of wireless devices 102 and 104 can comprise a cell phone, a smart phone, a computing platform such as a laptop, palmtop, or tablet, a personal digital assistant, or an internet access device, including combinations thereof. Wireless device 104 can communicate with wireless device 102 over communication link 108. Wireless device 102 can also communicate with communication network 106 over communication link 110. Wireless device 102 is also configured to provide communications over communication network 106 to wireless device 104.

Communication network 106 can be a wired and/or wireless communication network, and can comprise processing nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among various network elements, including combinations thereof, and can include a local area network, a wide area network, and an internetwork (including the Internet). Communication network 106 can be capable of carrying voice information and other data, for example, to support communications by a wireless device such as wireless devices 102 and 104. Wireless network protocols may comprise code division multiple access (CDMA) 1xRTT, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), EV-DO rev. A, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and Third Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE). Wired network protocols that may be utilized by communication network 106 comprise Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Local Talk (such as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance), Token Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Communication network 106 may also comprise a wireless network, including base stations, wireless communication nodes, telephony switches, internet routers, network gateways, computer systems, communication links, or some other type of communication equipment, and combinations thereof.

Communication links 108 and 110 can be wired or wireless communication links. Wired communication links can comprise, for example, twisted pair cable, coaxial cable or fiber optic cable, or combinations thereof. Wireless communication links can comprise a radio frequency, microwave, infrared, or other similar signal. In an embodiment, communication link 108 comprises a wireless communication link using one or more cellular radio access technologies and/or protocols, and communication link 110 comprises a wireless communication link using one or more wireless network communication protocols. Examples of a cellular radio access technology or protocol include Global System for Mobile telecommunications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and LTE-Advanced. Other cellular radio access technologies or protocols can also be used, including combinations of the foregoing. Examples of a network communication protocol include the IEEE 802.11 family of protocols, the IEEE 802.15 family of protocols, and the like. Other network communication protocols can also be used, including combinations of the foregoing.

Other network elements may be present in communication system 100 to facilitate wireless communication but are omitted for clarity, such as base stations, base station controllers, gateways, mobile switching centers, dispatch application processors, location registers such as a home location register or visitor location register, additional processing nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among the various network elements.

In operation, it is determined at wireless device 102 that a communication link with an access node is not detected. For example, wireless device 102 may scan for a signal from an access node, such as a pilot signal, a system information broadcast message, and the like, and may not detect any such signal. Wireless device 102 may then establish communication link 110 with communication network 106 using a network communication protocol.

When communication link 110 is established with communication network 106, wireless device 102 transmits an indication wireless device 102 can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device (e.g., wireless device 104) using a cellular radio access technology. In response to a communication channel request from wireless device 104, wireless device 102 grants a communication channel to wireless device 104, and wireless device 102 assigns to wireless device 104 a network address. Subsequently, when a request is received at wireless device 102 to establish a communication session for wireless device 104 over communication network 106, the communication session is established by wireless device 102 for wireless device 104 over communication network 106. For example, wireless device 102 can receive a call request from communication network 106 to establish a voice communication session or a data communication session with wireless device 104, and wireless device 102 can establish the voice or data communication session with wireless device 104. Similarly, wireless device 102 can receive a call request from wireless device 104 to establish a communication session with a third wireless device over communication network 106, and wireless device 102 can establish the (voice or data) communication session between wireless device 104 and the third wireless device.

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary wireless device 202 for providing wireless network communication comprising processor 204, display 206, display driver 208, user interface 210, audio input/output 212, transceiver 214, memory 210, access node unit 218, communication controller unit 220, and gateway unit 222. Display 206 can display information, and can be coupled with user interface 210 to receive input, such as by a touch screen or similar device. Display driver 208 controls the display of information on display 206. Memory 216 can store data, and can comprise, for example, a disk drive, a flash drive, a solid state memory device, a memory circuitry, or some other memory device, in various forms of volatile and non-volatile memory storage. Memory 216 can store software comprising for example computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable instructions, and may include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other type of software. Memory 216 can further comprise one or more buffers to store data related to wireless communications of a second wireless device. For example, memory 216 can buffer data which arrives from a communication network for the second wireless device, and can further buffer data which arrives from the second wireless device to be transmitted over the communication network.

Transceiver 214 enables wireless device 102 to communicate wirelessly, for example, with another wireless device and/or with a communication network. Wireless signals for example comprise radio frequency, microwave, infrared, laser, visible light, and other similar signals. Audio input and output 212 can comprise a speaker to produce sound and/or a microphone to receive sound input. Processor 204 can retrieve and execute software from the memory 216, process data, and control the operation of elements 206-222.

Access node unit 218 comprises a hardware device configured to transmit an indication that the wireless device can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device using a cellular radio access technology, and to grant a communication channel to the second wireless device in response to a communication channel request from the second wireless device. Access node unit 218 can control transmission and reception of signals using transceiver 214. Access node unit 218 can be configured to transmit system information to enable a second wireless device to perform synchronization, ranging, and random access procedures with wireless device 202.

Access node unit 218 can further be configured to perform control functions over a communication link with a second wireless device (e.g., wireless device 102 can perform control functions on communication link 108 with wireless device 104). Such control functions can comprise establishing, modifying, and releasing radio resource connections; establishing, modifying, and releasing dedicated resource bearers to carry bearer traffic; scheduling the delivery of data to a second wireless device and the receipt of data from the second wireless device; assigning and modifying Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ) and/or Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARD) parameters; negotiation and controlling quality of service-related scheduling; and performing inter- and intra-frequency handover. Access node unit 218 can further send a paging message to a second wireless device when a call request or data arrives for the second wireless device. Other access node functions are also possible, including combinations of the foregoing.

Communication controller unit 220 comprises a hardware device configured to establish a communication link between the wireless device and a communication network using a network communication protocol when the communication link with the access node is not detected. Communication controller unit 220 can control the establishment and de-establishment of a bearer channel and a signaling channel with a second wireless device. Communication controller unit 220 can also be configured to store a network location assigned to a second wireless device, to determine when the second wireless device enters an idle mode, and to instruct that a paging message be sent to the second wireless device when the second wireless device is in a lower power mode (e.g., an idle mode) when a call request or data arrives at the wireless device for the second wireless device. Communication controller unit 220 can further communicate with a database through a communication network, such as an authentication node, to authorize a second wireless device for network communication.

Gateway unit 222 comprises a hardware device configured to assign a network address to the second wireless device to enable the second wireless device to communicate over the communication network. Gateway unit 222 can provide connectivity between the second wireless device an communication network (such as communication network 106) by mediating voice and data traffic between the second wireless device and the communication network. Gateway unit 222 can route and forward data to and from the second wireless device, and can further direct the storage (e.g., buffering) of data received for the second wireless device when the second wireless device is in a lower power or idle state. Gateway unit 222 can also store a group of network addresses to be assigned to the second wireless device. Gateway unit 222 can further manage and store communication session information for the second wireless device, such as context information including parameters of signaling and bearer channels and network routing information. Gateway unit 222 can further be configured to perform policy enforcement, and to perform packet filtering, for the second wireless device.

Access node unit 218, communication controller unit 220, and gateway unit 222 can comprise one or more chipsets, printed circuit boards, integrated circuits, or other electronic devices capable of being configured as described above. Elements 204-222 can communicate over communication link 224, for example a communication bus. Each of the elements 206, 208, 210, 212, 214 and 216 can be disposed within a housing, but this is by no means a requirement or limitation.

Access node unit 218, communication controller unit 220, and gateway unit 222 can comprise functional elements of a core network architecture of a wireless communication network. For example, access node unit 218, communication controller unit 220, and gateway unit 222 can provide some or all of the functional capabilities of a core network such as, for example, an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a Connectivity Service Network (CSN), a Network Switching Subsystem (NSS), and the like, as well as functional capabilities of access network elements, to functionally extend the coverage and availability of a communication network (such as, e.g., communication network 106).

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary wireless device 226 for providing wireless network communication comprising processor 228, display 230, display driver 232, user interface 234, audio input/output 236, transceiver 238, and memory 240. Memory 240 can further comprise access node unit 242, communication controller unit 244, and gateway unit 246. Elements 228-240 can communicate over communication link 248, for example a communication bus. Each of the elements 228-240 can be disposed within a housing, but this is by no means a requirement or limitation. Elements 228-240 are analogous to elements 204-216 described above with respect to FIG. 2A.

Access node unit 242, communication controller unit 244, and gateway unit 246 can comprise computer-readable codes embodied on a computer-readable recording medium, such as software code, which can be stored in memory 240. Access node unit 242, communication controller unit 244, and gateway unit 246 are functionally analogous to access node unit 218, communication controller unit 220, and gateway unit 222, described above with respect to FIG. 2A.

Access node unit 242, communication controller unit 244, and gateway unit 246 can comprise functional elements of a core network architecture of a wireless communication network. For example, access node unit 242, communication controller unit 244, and gateway unit 246 can provide some or all of the functional capabilities of a core network such as, for example, an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a Connectivity Service Network (CSN), a Network Switching Subsystem (NSS), and the like, as well as functional capabilities of access network elements, to functionally extend the coverage and availability of a communication network (such as, e.g., communication network 106).

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method of providing wireless network communication. In operation 302, it is determined at a first wireless device that a communication link with an access node is not detected. For example, wireless device 102 may scan for a signal from an access node, such as a pilot signal, a system information broadcast message, and the like, and may not detect any such signal from an access node. The wireless device may scan for a signal which uses a cellular communication protocol.

The first wireless device then establishes a communication link with a communication network using a network communication protocol (operation 304). For example, wireless device 102 can establish communication link 110 with communication network 106. In an embodiment, communication link 110 can be established at the instruction of communication controller unit 220 through gateway unit 222, so that information to or from communication network 106 passes through gateway unit 222. In an embodiment, communication link 110 can be established at the instruction of communication controller unit 244 so that information to or from communication network 106 is received and processed at the direction of gateway unit 246.

When the communication link is established between the first wireless device and the communication network, the first wireless device transmits an indication that it can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device using a cellular radio access technology (operation 306). For example, when communication link 110 is established with communication network 106, wireless device 102 transmits an indication wireless device 102 can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device (e.g., wireless device 104) using a cellular radio access technology. The indication can be transmitted at the instruction of, for example, access node unit 218 or access node unit 242. The indication can comprise an access node unit identifier (such as a base station ID, an eNodeB ID, and the like), a pilot signal, a system information block message (for example, a MIB, SIB or other information message), synchronization information, ranging information, or another indication which can be received at a second wireless device and which informs the second wireless device that the first wireless device can provide wireless communications to the second wireless device.

The first wireless device may then receive a request for a communication channel from the second wireless device (operation 308), and in response to the communication channel request, the first wireless device may grant a communication channel to the second wireless device (operation 310). For example, in response to a communication channel request from wireless device 104, wireless device 102 can grant a communication channel to wireless device 104. In an embodiment, wireless device 102 and wireless device 104 can engage in a synchronization process, a ranging process, and a random access process to grant the communication channel to wireless device 104. For example, wireless device 104 can acquire the indication that wireless device 102 is able to provide wireless communications to wireless device 104, and the indication can comprise synchronization information, such as time slot information, frame synchronization information, a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal, and the like, to perform synchronization with wireless device 102. When synchronization is performed, wireless device 102 can communicate additional information to wireless device 104, including system information such as, for example, a master information block, one or more system information blocks, and the like, which can comprise a network identifier (e.g., a PLMN ID), a tracking area identifier (which can be used to send a paging message to wireless device 104), an access node unit identifier (to identify access node unit 218 or 242), a root sequence indicator and/or cyclic shift indicator, information about available frequency bands over which to communicate with wireless device 102, and the like. Wireless device 104 can further acquire ranging information from wireless device 102, and the wireless devices can perform a ranging operation to determine an appropriate transmit power and other signal parameters for wireless device 104 to communicate with wireless device 102. In an embodiment, a transmit power for wireless device 102 can also be determined using the ranging process with wireless device 104.

When synchronization is complete, wireless devices 102 and 104 can perform a random access procedure to grant the communication channel to wireless device 104. For example, wireless device 104 can select a random access (RACH) preamble and can transmit a request for a communication channel using the random access preamble. Where wireless device 102 provides wireless communications to two or more other wireless devices, the RACH preamble can serve to distinguish the communication channel request from wireless device 104 from communications from other wireless devices. Wireless device 104 can determine one or more RACH preambles from the root sequence indicator and/or cyclic shift indicator previously acquired from wireless device 102.

When the communication channel is granted to the second wireless device, the first wireless device assigns a network address to the second wireless device (operation 312). When the communication channel is granted to wireless device 104, a network address is assigned to wireless device 104 to route data to wireless device 104. For example, gateway unit 222 or gateway unit 246 can comprise a pool of network addresses (for example, internet protocol (IP) addresses or similar network location identifiers) to enable the routing of data to wireless device 104 by wireless device 102. Gateway unit 222 or gateway unit 246 can assign the network address to the second wireless device, and can use the assigned network address to route data communications between wireless device 104 and communication network 106.

In operation 314, a communication session request is received to establish a communication session with the second wireless device. For example, wireless device 102 can receive a call request to establish a voice communication session with wireless device 104. The call request can originate from a third wireless device to establish the communication session with wireless device 104, or the call request can originate from wireless device 104 to establish the communication session with the third wireless device. The communication session request can further comprise a data communication session request, which can originate from either wireless device 104, or from a third wireless device. The communication session request can be received at access node unit 218 or 242 (through transceiver 214 or 238), and can be passed to communication control unit 220 or 244.

Communication control unit 220 or 244 can then instruct the establishment of the communication session for wireless device 104 (operation 316). Communications sent by wireless device 104 can be received at wireless device 102 by access node unit 218 or 242 through transceiver 214 or 238, and the received communications can be transferred by gateway unit 222 or 246 to communication network 106 using transceiver 214 or 238. Communications sent by the third wireless device can be received at gateway unit 222 or 246 from communication network 106 using transceiver 214 or 238, and can be sent to wireless device 104 by access node unit 218 or 242 through transceiver 214 or 238.

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary communication system for providing wireless network communication comprising wireless devices 402, 404 and 406, communication network 408, authentication node 410 and content node or application node (C/A node) 412. Examples of wireless devices 402, 404 and 406 can comprise a cell phone, a smart phone, a computing platform such as a laptop, palmtop, or tablet, a personal digital assistant, or an internet access device, including combinations thereof. Wireless device 404 can communicate with wireless device 402 over communication link 416. Wireless device 402 can also communicate with communication network 408 over communication link 414. Wireless device 406 can communicate with communication network 406 over communication link 418. Wireless device 402 is also configured to provide communications over communication network 408 to wireless device 404.

Authentication node 410 can comprise a processor and associated circuitry to execute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions, and can be configured to maintain and provide authorization, authentication, and accounting information related to communication sessions and network access for wireless deivces 402, 404 and 406. Authentication node 410 can retrieve and execute software from storage, which can include a disk drive, flash drive, memory circuitry, or some other memory device, and which can be local or remotely accessible. The software comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable instructions, and may include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other type of software, including combinations thereof. Authentication node 410 can receive instructions and other input at a user interface. Examples of authentication node 410 can include a standalone computing device, a computer system, or a network component, such as an access service network gateway (ASN-GW), a packet data network gateway (P-GW), a serving gateway (S-GW), a subscriber profile system (SPS), authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) equipment, and the like, including combinations thereof. Authentication node 410 is in communication with communication network 408 over communication link 420.

Content node/application (C/A) node 412 can comprise a processor and associated circuitry to execute or direct the execution of computer-readable instructions, and can be configured to provide content or a service to a wireless device over communication network 408. Content can comprise audio, video, multimedia, or some other form of content, which may be digitally encoded or electronically encoded for transmission over communication network 408. An application provided by network node 412 can comprise an application, an information processing service, an information retrieval service, an information lookup service, or some other information provision or information processing which may be provided to a wireless device over communication network 408. C/A node 412 can retrieve and execute software from storage, which can include a disk drive, flash drive, memory circuitry, or some other memory device, and which can be local or remotely accessible. The software comprises computer programs, firmware, or some other form of machine-readable instructions, and may include an operating system, utilities, drivers, network interfaces, applications, or some other type of software, including combinations thereof. C/A node 412 can receive instructions and other input at a user interface. Examples of C/A node 412 can include a standalone computing device, a computer system, or a network component, such as an access service network gateway (ASN-GW), a packet data network gateway (P-GW), a serving gateway (S-GW), a packet data serving node (PDSN), an IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), a network server mediated by an IMS, and the like, including combinations thereof. C/A node 412 is in communication with communication network 480 over communication link 422.

Communication network 408 can be a wired and/or wireless communication network, and can comprise processing nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among various network elements, including combinations thereof, and can include a local area network, a wide area network, and an internetwork (including the Internet). Communication network 408 can be capable of carrying voice information and other data, for example, to support communications by a wireless device such as wireless devices 402, 404 and 406. Wireless network protocols may comprise code division multiple access (CDMA) 1xRTT, Global System for Mobile communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO), EV-DO rev. A, Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), and Third Generation Partnership Project Long Term Evolution (3GPP LTE). Wired network protocols that may be utilized by communication network 408 comprise Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Local Talk (such as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance), Token Ring, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Communication network 408 may also comprise a wireless network, including base stations, wireless communication nodes, telephony switches, internet routers, network gateways, computer systems, communication links, or some other type of communication equipment, and combinations thereof.

Communication links 414, 416, 418, 420 and 422 can be wired or wireless communication links. Wired communication links can comprise, for example, twisted pair cable, coaxial cable or fiber optic cable, or combinations thereof. Wireless communication links can comprise a radio frequency, microwave, infrared, or other similar signal. In an embodiment, communication links 416 and 418 each comprise a wireless communication link using one or more cellular radio access technologies and/or protocols, and communication link 414 comprises a wireless communication link using one or more wireless network communication protocols. Examples of a cellular radio access technology or protocol include Global System for Mobile telecommunications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and LTE-Advanced. Other cellular radio access technologies or protocols can also be used, including combinations of the foregoing. Examples of a network communication protocol include the IEEE 802.11 family of protocols, the IEEE 802.15 family of protocols, and the like. Other network communication protocols can also be used, including combinations of the foregoing.

In an embodiment, communication link 416 comprises a wireless communication link using one or more cellular radio access technologies and/or protocols, and communication link 414 comprises a wireless communication link using one or more network communication protocols.

Other network elements may be present in communication system 400 to facilitate wireless communication but are omitted for clarity, such as base stations, base station controllers, gateways, mobile switching centers, dispatch application processors, location registers such as a home location register or visitor location register, additional processing nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among the various network elements. Furthermore, other network elements may be present to facilitate communication among communication network 408, authentication node 410 and C/A node 412 which are omitted for clarity, including additional processing nodes, routers, gateways, and physical and/or wireless data links for carrying data among the various network elements.

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary method of providing wireless network communication. In operation 502, it is determined at a first wireless device that a communication link with an access node is not detected. For example, wireless device 402 may scan for a signal from an access node, such as a pilot signal, a system information broadcast message, and the like, and may not detect any such signal from an access node. The first wireless device then establishes a communication link with a communication network using a network communication protocol (operation 504). For example, wireless device 402 can establish communication link 414 with communication network 408. In an embodiment, communication link 414 can be established at the instruction of a communication controller unit of the wireless device (e.g., communication controller unit 220 or 244) through a gateway unit of the wireless device (e.g., gateway unit 222 or 246), so that information to or from communication network 408 passes through the gateway unit.

When the communication link is established between the first wireless device and the communication network, the first wireless device transmits an indication that it can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device using a cellular radio access technology (operation 506). For example, when communication link 110 is established with communication network 106, wireless device 102 transmits an indication wireless device 102 can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device (e.g., wireless device 104) using a cellular radio access technology. The indication can be transmitted at the instruction of, for example, access node unit 218 or access node unit 242. The indication can comprise an access node unit identifier (such as a base station ID, an eNodeB ID, and the like), a pilot signal, a system information block message (for example, a MIB, SIB or other information message), synchronization information, ranging information, or another indication which can be received at a second wireless device and which informs the second wireless device that the first wireless device can provide wireless communications to the second wireless device.

The first wireless device may then receive a request for a communication channel from the second wireless device (operation 508), and in response to the communication channel request, the first wireless device may perform admission control functions (operation 510). For example, wireless device 402 can receive a request for a communication channel from wireless device 404. In an embodiment, wireless devices 402 and 404 can engage in a synchronization process, a ranging process, and a random access process. From information sent by wireless device 402 (e.g., in the indication that wireless device 402 is able to provide wireless communications) wireless device 404 can acquire synchronization information, such as time slot information, frame synchronization information, a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal, and the like, to perform synchronization with wireless device 402. When synchronization is performed, wireless device 404 can acquire additional information from wireless device 402, including system information such as, for example, a master information block, one or more system information blocks, and the like, which can comprise a network identifier (e.g., a PLMN ID), a tracking area identifier (which can be used to send a paging message to wireless device 404), an access node unit identifier (to identify access node unit 218 or 242), a root sequence indicator and/or cyclic shift indicator, information about available frequency bands over which to communicate with wireless device 402, and the like. Wireless device 404 can further acquire ranging information from wireless device 402, and the wireless devices can perform a ranging operation to determine an appropriate transmit power and other signal parameters for wireless device 404 to communicate with wireless device 402. In an embodiment, a transmit power for wireless device 402 can also be determined using the ranging process with wireless device 404. Wireless device 404 can select a random access (RACH) preamble and can transmit a request for a communication channel using the random access preamble. Where wireless device 402 provides wireless communications to two or more other wireless devices, the RACH preamble can serve to distinguish the communication channel request from wireless device 404 from communications from other wireless devices. Wireless device 404 can determine one or more RACH preambles from the root sequence indicator and/or cyclic shift indicator previously acquired from wireless device 402.

The request for a communication channel can further comprise identification information of wireless device 404, such as an IMEI or other wireless device identifier, account information associating wireless device 404 with a particular subscriber account, and the like. The request for a communication channel can also comprise one or more security credentials for wireless device 404. Wireless device 402 can receive the identification information and/or the security credentials of wireless device 404 and can further transmit the received identification information and/or the security credentials to authentication node 410 (operation 512). The identification information and/or the security credentials of wireless device 404 can be received at access node unit 218 or 242, which can provide the identification information and/or the security credentials to communication controller unit 220 or 244. Communication controller unit 220 or 244 can then instruct gateway unit 222 or 246 to transmit the identification information and/or the security credentials to authentication node 410 with a request to authenticate wireless device 404 for access to communication network 408.

Authentication node 410 can respond that wireless device is authenticated to communicate over communication network 408, which response can be received at gateway unit 222 or 246 and provided to communication controller unit 222 or 244. Communication controller unit 222 or 244 can instruct access node unit 218 or 242 to provide an indication to wireless device 404 that wireless device 404 is authorized to communicate over communicate network 408, and communication controller unit 222 can further grant a communication channel to wireless device 404 (operation 514). In an embodiment, when the communication channel is granted to wireless device 404, communication controller unit 222 or 244 can instruct access node unit 218 or 242 and/or gateway unit 222 or 246 to reserve resources for wireless device 404. The resources can comprise memory space, processor time, reserving wireless resources on communication link 416 for communication to or from wireless device 404, reserving resources of communication link 414 to communicate information with communication network 408 related to communications of wireless device 404, and the like.

When the channel is granted to the second wireless device, the first and second wireless devices can negotiate a quality of service to be provided to the second wireless device (operation 516). For example, access node unit 218 or 242 can comprise a scheduling unit to schedule the delivery of data to wireless device 404 over communication link 416. Based on information from wireless device 404, access node unit 218 or 242 can determine an application requirement of an application running on wireless device 404. The application requirement can comprise a minimum data rate, a maximum permitted data delay, a minimum throughput, a maximum error rate, a maximum data loss rate, and the like, of an application running on a wireless device. The application requirement can also be determined based on the application type, such as whether the application is a relatively delay sensitive application (such as a streaming audio application a streaming video application, a voice application, and the like) or a relatively delay insensitive application (such as an email application, a messaging application, a web browsing application, and the like).

Based on the application requirement, access node unit 218 or 242 can determine a quality of service to be provided to wireless device 404 to meet the application requirement. Additionally, or alternatively, based on information from authentication node 410, access node unit 218 or 242 can determine a priority to apply to information to or from wireless device 404, and based on the priority access node unit 218 or 242 can schedule data to be delivered to and/or received from wireless device 404 relative to the scheduling of data to or from other wireless devices. For example, where authentication node 410 provides an indication that wireless device 404 is associated with a higher priority (e.g., because wireless device 404 is associated with an emergency responder account, a premium customer account, and the like), data to and/or from wireless device 404 can be scheduled before data to or from lower priority wireless devices.

The granting of the communication channel to wireless device 404 can further comprise negotiating wireless communication link parameters, such as selection of one or more frequency bands for communication between wireless devices 402 and 404, a modulation and coding scheme to be assigned to communication link 416, and the like.

Next, the first wireless device assigns a network address to the second wireless device (operation 518). For example, when the communication channel is granted to wireless device 404, a network address is assigned to wireless device 404 to route data to wireless device 404. For example, gateway unit 222 or gateway unit 246 can comprise a pool of network addresses (for example, internet protocol (IP) addresses or similar network location identifiers) to enable the routing of data to wireless device 404 by wireless device 402. Gateway unit 222 or gateway unit 246 can assign the network address to the second wireless device, and can use the assigned network address to route data communications between wireless device 404 and communication network 408. When then network address is assigned to wireless device 404, wireless device 402 can advertise or present the assigned network address to communication network 408 to permit data to be addressed to and routed to wireless device 404 (operation 520). Using the network address for wireless device 404 which is presented by wireless device 402, another wireless device (e.g., wireless device 406) can address data to wireless device 404, and the addressed data can be routed to wireless device 404 using the assigned network address through wireless device 402.

In operation 522, a communication session request is received to establish a communication session with the second wireless device. For example, wireless device 402 can receive a call request to establish a voice communication session with wireless device 404. The call request can originate from a third wireless device, such as wireless device 406, to establish the communication session with wireless device 404, or the call request can originate from wireless device 404 to establish the communication session with the third wireless device. The communication session request can further comprise a data communication session request, which can originate from either wireless device 404 or from wireless device 406. When the communication session request originates from wireless device 404, the request can be received at access node unit 218 or 242 (through transceiver 214 or 238), and can be passed to communication control unit 220 or 244. When the communication session request originates from wireless device 406, the request can be received at gateway unit 222 or 246 (through transceiver 214 or 238), and can be passed to communication control unit 220 or 244.

Communication control unit 220 or 244 can then instruct the establishment of the communication session for wireless device 404 (operation 524). Communications sent by wireless device 404 can be received at wireless device 402 by access node unit 218 or 242 through transceiver 214 or 238, and the received communications can be transferred by gateway unit 222 or 246 to communication network 106 using transceiver 214 or 238. Communications sent by wireless device 406 can be received at gateway unit 222 or 246 and can be transferred to access node unit 218 or 242 for transmission to wireless device 404 (using transceiver 214 or 238).

The communication session request from wireless device 404 can also comprise a request for data from C/A node 412. Access node unit 218 or 242 can receive the communication session request and can transfer the communication session request to gateway unit 222 or 246. Gateway unit 222 or 246 can address the request for data to C/A node 412 based on information in the request from wireless device 404, such as a content identifier, a network address identifier of C/A node 412, and the like. Data received from C/A node 412 for wireless device 404 can be received at gateway unit 222 or 246 and can be transferred to access node unit 218 or 242 for transmission to wireless device 404 (using transceiver 214 or 238).

Wireless device 404 can also enter a lower power state, such as an idle state, a sleep state, and the like. When wireless device 404 enters the lower power state, wireless device 404 can send an indication to wireless device 402, and wireless device 402 can store a network location for wireless device 404 (operation 526). The stored network location can be used by wireless device 402 when, for example, data or a call request arrives at wireless device 402 for delivery to wireless device 404. As an example, data can be received at gateway unit 222 or 246 from communication network 408 for wireless device 404. Gateway unit 222 or 246 can send a message to communication control unit 220 or 244 to notify communication control unit 220 or 244 that the data has been received for wireless device 404. Communication control unit 220 or 244 can then instruct access node unit 218 or 242 to send a paging message to wireless device 404 (operation 528). The paging message can inform wireless device 404 that data is awaiting delivery to wireless device 404. In response to the paging message, wireless device 404 can leave the lower power state and can send a request for a communication channel to wireless device 402, which can be received by access node unit 218 or 242. Access node unit 218 or 242 can send a message to communication control unit 220 or 244, and communication control unit 220 or 244 can grant the communication channel to wireless device 404. When the communication channel is granted, communication control unit 220 or 244 can instruct gateway unit 222 or 246 to provide the data to access node unit 218 or 242 to be sent to wireless device 404 from wireless device 402. Additionally, or alternatively, the data for wireless device 404 can be received at gateway unit 222 or 246 and can be transferred to and stored by (or at the instruction of) access node unit 218 or 242 before the communication channel is granted to wireless device 404. Then, when the communication channel is granted to wireless device 404, the data can be sent to wireless device 404 from access node unit 218 or 242.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary data flow diagram of providing wireless network communication. Wireless device 602 may scan for a signal from an access node, such as a pilot signal, a system information broadcast message, and the like, and when such a signal is not detected from an access node, wireless device 602 may determine that an access node is not detected. Wireless device may then establish a communication link with a communication network using a network communication protocol. Communication controller 610 instructs gateway unit 614 (610) to send a message (612) to communication network 618 to establish a communication link with communication network 618. Communication network 618 responds (614) with information confirming the establishment of the communication link between wireless device 602 and communication network 618, and gateway unit 614 provides information (616) about the communication link to communication controller unit 610.

When the communication link is established between wireless device 602 and communication network 618, the wireless device 602 transmits an indication that it can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device (wireless device 604) using a cellular radio access technology (620). Communication controller unit 610 can instruct (618) access node unit 612 to transmit the indication (620). The indication can comprise an access node unit identifier (such as a base station ID, an eNodeB ID, and the like), a pilot signal, a system information block message (for example, a MIB, SIB or other information message), synchronization information, ranging information, or another indication which can be received at a second wireless device and which informs the second wireless device that the first wireless device can provide wireless communications to the second wireless device.

Wireless device 602 may then receive a request for a communication channel from wireless device 604 (622), and in response to the communication channel request, wireless device 602 may perform admission control functions. In an embodiment, wireless devices 602 and 604 can engage in a synchronization process, a ranging process, and a random access process. From information sent by wireless device 602 (e.g., in indication 620 that wireless device 602 is able to provide wireless communications) wireless device 604 can acquire synchronization information, such as time slot information, frame synchronization information, a primary synchronization signal, a secondary synchronization signal, and the like, to perform synchronization with wireless device 602. When synchronization is performed, wireless device 604 can acquire additional information from wireless device 602, including system information such as, for example, a master information block, one or more system information blocks, and the like, which can comprise a network identifier (e.g., a PLMN ID), a tracking area identifier (which can be used to send a paging message to wireless device 604), an access node unit identifier (to identify access node unit 612), a root sequence indicator and/or cyclic shift indicator, information about available frequency bands over which to communicate with wireless device 602, and the like. Wireless device 604 can further acquire ranging information from wireless device 602, and the wireless devices can perform a ranging operation to determine an appropriate transmit power and other signal parameters for wireless device 604 to communicate with wireless device 602. In an embodiment, a transmit power for wireless device 602 can also be determined using the ranging process with wireless device 604. Wireless device 604 can select a random access (RACH) preamble and can transmit a request for a communication channel using the random access preamble. Where wireless device 602 provides wireless communications to two or more other wireless devices, the RACH preamble can serve to distinguish the communication channel request from wireless device 604 from communications from other wireless devices. Wireless device 604 can determine one or more RACH preambles from the root sequence indicator and/or cyclic shift indicator previously acquired from wireless device 602.

The request for a communication channel (622) can further comprise identification information of wireless device 604, such as an IMEI or other wireless device identifier, account information associating wireless device 604 with a particular subscriber account, and the like. The request for a communication channel can also comprise one or more security credentials for wireless device 604. Wireless device 602 can receive the identification information and/or the security credentials of wireless device 604 at access node unit 612, which can notify communication controller unit 610 (624). Access node unit 612 can provide the identification information and/or the security credentials of wireless device 604 to gateway unit 614 (either by its own instruction or at the instruction of communication controller unit 610) (626), and gateway unit 614 can further transmit the received identification information and/or the security credentials to communication network 618 (628) for provision to an authentication node (not illustrated). Gateway unit 614 can receive a response (620) from the authentication node over communication network 618 indicating that wireless device 604 is authenticated to communicate over communication network 618, and the response can be provided to communication controller unit 610 (632). Communication controller unit 610 can then instruct (634) access node unit 612 to provide an indication (636) to wireless device 604 that wireless device 604 is authorized to communicate over communicate network 618, and that communication controller unit 610 has granted a communication channel to wireless device 604.

In an embodiment, when the communication channel is granted to wireless device 604, communication controller unit 610 can instruct access node unit 612 and/or gateway unit 614 to reserve resources for wireless device 604. The resources can comprise memory space, processor time, reserving wireless resources on a communication link between wireless device 602 and wireless device 604, reserving resources of a communication link between wireless device 602 and communication network 618 related to communications of wireless device 604, and the like.

When the channel is granted to wireless device 604, the wireless devices 602 and 604 can negotiate a quality of service to be provided to the wireless device 604 (638). For example, access node unit 612 can comprise a scheduling unit to schedule the delivery of data to wireless device 604. Based on information from wireless device 604, access node unit 612 can determine an application requirement of an application running on wireless device 604. The application requirement can comprise a minimum data rate, a maximum permitted data delay, a minimum throughput, a maximum error rate, a maximum data loss rate, and the like, of an application running on a wireless device. The application requirement can also be determined based on the application type, such as whether the application is a relatively delay sensitive application (such as a streaming audio application a streaming video application, a voice application, and the like) or a relatively delay insensitive application (such as an email application, a messaging application, a web browsing application, and the like). Based on the application requirement, access node unit 612 can determine a quality of service to be provided to wireless device 604 to meet the application requirement. Additionally, or alternatively, based on information from the authentication node, access node unit 612 can determine a priority to apply to information to or from wireless device 604, and based on the priority access node unit 612 can schedule data to be delivered to and/or received from wireless device 604 relative to the scheduling of data to or from other wireless devices. For example, where the authentication node provides an indication that wireless device 604 is associated with a higher priority (e.g., because wireless device 604 is associated with an emergency responder account, a premium customer account, and the like), data to and/or from wireless device 604 can be scheduled before data to or from lower priority wireless devices.

Next, wireless device 602 assigns a network address to wireless device 604 to route data to wireless device 604. Gateway unit 614 can comprise a pool of network addresses (for example, internet protocol (IP) addresses or similar network location identifiers) to enable the routing of data to wireless device 604 by wireless device 602. Gateway unit 614 can assign the network address to wireless device 604, and can use the assigned network address to route data communications between wireless device 604 and communication network 618. When then network address is assigned to wireless device 604, gateway unit 614 can advertise or present the assigned network address to communication network 618 (640) to permit data to be addressed to and routed to wireless device 604. Using the network address for wireless device 604 which is presented by wireless device 602, another wireless device (e.g., wireless device 606) can address data to wireless device 604, and the addressed data can be routed to wireless device 604 using the assigned network address through wireless device 602.

A communication session request (642) can be received at gateway node 614 from communication network 618 (644) to establish a communication session with wireless device 604. The communication session request can further comprise a data communication session request. The communication session request originating from wireless device 606 can be received at gateway unit 614, and can be passed to communication control unit 610 (646). Alternatively, a call request can originate from wireless device 604 to establish the communication session with wireless device 606, in which case the call request can be received at access node unit 612 and provided to gateway unit 614 for transmission to wireless device 606 over communication network 618. When the communication session request originates from wireless device 604, the request can be received at access node unit 612 and can be passed to communication control unit 610.

Access node unit 612 can then send a notification of the communication session request (648) to wireless device 604. When wireless device 604 accepts the call request, communication control unit 610 can then instruct the establishment of the communication session between wireless devices 604 and 606 (650). Communications sent by wireless device 604 can be received at wireless device 602 by access node unit 612, and the received communications can be transferred by gateway unit 614 to communication network 618. Communications sent by wireless device 606 can be received at gateway unit 614 from communication network 618 and can be transferred to access node unit 612 for transmission to wireless device 604.

In an embodiment, a communication session request from wireless device 604 can also comprise a request for data from a C/A node. Access node unit 612 can receive the communication session request and can transfer the communication session request to gateway unit 614. Gateway unit 614 can address the request for data to a C/A node based on information in the request from wireless device 604, such as a content identifier, a network address identifier of the C/A node, and the like. Data received from the C/A node for wireless device 604 can be received at gateway unit 614 and can be transferred to access node unit 612 for transmission to wireless device 604.

Wireless device 604 can also enter a lower power state, such as an idle state, a sleep state, and the like. When wireless device 604 enters the lower power state, wireless device 604 can send an indication (652) to wireless device 602 which is received at access node unit 612 and provided (654) to communication controller unit 610. Communication controller unit 610 can then store a network location for wireless device 604. The stored network location can be used by wireless device 602 when, for example, data or a call request (656) arrives at gateway unit 614 from communication network 618 for wireless device 604. Gateway unit 614 can notify (658) communication control unit 610 that the data has been received for wireless device 604, and communication control unit 610 can then instruct (660) access node unit 612 to send a paging message to wireless device 604 (662). The paging message can inform wireless device 604 that data is awaiting delivery to wireless device 604.

In response to the paging message, wireless device 604 can leave the lower power state and can send a request (664) for a communication channel to wireless device 602, which can be received by access node unit 612. Access node unit 612 can send a message (666) to communication control unit 610, and communication control unit 610 can grant the communication channel to wireless device 604. When the communication channel is granted, communication control unit 610 can instruct gateway unit 614 (668) to provide (670) the data to access node unit 612 to be sent to wireless device 604 (672) from wireless device 602. Additionally, or alternatively, the data for wireless device 604 can be received at gateway unit 614 and can be transferred to and stored by access node unit 612 before the communication channel is granted to wireless device 604. Then, when the communication channel is granted to wireless device 604, the data can be sent to wireless device 604 from access node unit 612.

The exemplary systems and methods described herein can be performed under the control of a processing system executing computer-readable codes embodied on a computer-readable recording medium or communication signals transmitted through a transitory medium. The computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device that can store data readable by a processing system, and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media, and contemplates media readable by a database, a computer, and various other network devices.

Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), erasable electrically programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, holographic media or other optical disc storage, magnetic storage including magnetic tape and magnetic disk, and solid state storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium can also be distributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computer-readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. The communication signals transmitted through a transitory medium may include, for example, modulated signals transmitted through wired or wireless transmission paths.

The above description and associated figures teach the best mode of the invention. The following claims specify the scope of the invention. Note that some aspects of the best mode may not fall within the scope of the invention as specified by the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the features described above can be combined in various ways to form multiple variations of the invention, and that various modifications may be made to the configuration and methodology of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the present teachings. Those skilled in the art also will appreciate that various features disclosed with respect to one exemplary embodiment herein may be used in combination with other exemplary embodiments with appropriate modifications, even if such combinations are not explicitly disclosed herein. As a result, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, but only by the following claims and their equivalents. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for providing wireless network communication, comprising: a wireless device, further comprising a processor configured to determine that a communication link with an access node is not detected; a communication controller unit, configured to establish a communication link between the wireless device and a communication network using a network communication protocol when the communication link with the access node is not detected; an access node unit, configured to transmit an indication that the wireless device can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device using a cellular radio access technology, and to grant a communication channel to the second wireless device in response to a communication channel request from the second wireless device, wherein the access node unit is further configured to schedule data for delivery to the second wireless device based on a traffic class indicator associated with the data; and a gateway unit, configured to assign a network address to the second wireless device to enable the second wireless device to communicate over the communication network.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the access node unit is further configured to perform an admission control function in response to the communication channel request from the second wireless device.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication controller unit is further configured to authenticate the second wireless device with an authentication node of the communication network.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the gateway unit is further configured to assign a network address to the second wireless device out of a pool of network addresses stored at the gateway unit.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the gateway unit is further configured to present the assigned network address to the communication network to route data to enable data routing to the second wireless device.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the access node unit is further configured to negotiate a quality of service with the authentication node for the second wireless device.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication controller unit is further configured to store a network location for the second wireless device when the second wireless device enters a lower power state.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the communication controller unit is further configured to instruct the access node unit to send a paging message to the second wireless device when data arrives at the first wireless device for the second wireless device.
 9. A method of providing wireless network communication, comprising: determining at a first wireless device that a communication link with an access node is not detected; establishing a communication link between the first wireless device and a communication network using a network communication protocol; transmitting from the first wireless device an indication that the first wireless device can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device using a cellular radio access technology; granting by the first wireless device a communication channel to the second wireless device in response to a communication channel request from the second wireless device; assigning a network address to the second wireless device; receiving a request at the first wireless device to establish a communication session for the second wireless device over the communication network; establishing the communication session by the wireless device for the second wireless device over the communication network; and scheduling data for delivery to the second wireless device based on a traffic class indicator associated with the data.
 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising performing an admission control function by the first wireless device in response to the communication channel request from the second wireless device.
 11. The method of claim 9, further comprising authenticating the second wireless device by the first wireless device with an authentication node of the communication network.
 12. The method of claim 9, further comprising negotiating a quality of service with the authentication node for the second wireless device.
 13. The method of claim 9, wherein assigning a network address further comprises registering the second wireless device to enable the second wireless device to communicate over the communication network.
 14. The method of claim 9, further comprising presenting the assigned network address by the first wireless device to the communication network to route data to enable data routing to the second wireless device.
 15. The method of claim 9, further comprising storing at the first wireless device a network location for the second wireless device when the second wireless device enters a lower power state.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising sending a paging message from the first wireless device to the second wireless device when data arrives at the first wireless device for the second wireless device.
 17. A system for providing wireless network communication, comprising: a wireless device, further comprising a processor configured to determine that a communication link with an access node is not detected; a communication controller unit, configured to establish a communication link between the wireless device and a communication network using a network communication protocol when the communication link with the access node is not detected; an access node unit, configured to transmit an indication that the wireless device can provide wireless communications to a second wireless device using a cellular radio access technology, and to grant a communication channel to the second wireless device in response to a communication channel request from the second wireless device, wherein the communication controller unit is further configured to store a network location for the second wireless device when the second wireless device enters a lower power state and instruct the access node unit to send a paging message to the second wireless device when data arrives at the first wireless device for the second wireless device; and a gateway unit, configured to assign a network address to the second wireless device to enable the second wireless device to communicate over the communication network. 